Many variable annuities offer features to help you manage money now and in the future.

Some features may be included as part of a standard annuity contract, while others are offered as options for an additional fee. Your licensed financial professional can help you decide which ones may be appropriate for your circumstances.

• Bonus credit- Some issuing companies will enhance your purchase payment with a bonus credit amount. Over time, bonus payments can grow into an attractive sum. The bonus credit usually ranges from 1% to 4% of your purchase payment. It may be subject to a vesting schedule, higher insurance and administrative expenses, higher withdrawal charges, and a longer withdrawal period.
• Dollar cost averaging1- This feature allows you to invest a fixed amount at regular intervals, rather than trying to determine the best time to invest a single lump sum. This strategy can result in an average cost per share that is lower than the average price per share over that period.
• Retirement income protection2- Some annuities offer a guarantee that the payments you receive during the income phase will be no less than a certain protected value regardless of the investment performance.
• A choice of death benefits2- Many annuities offer you a choice of death benefits according to the level of protection you need.
• Traditional (or basic) death benefit- Pays the beneficiary the greater of your purchase payments (less any withdrawals or surrender charges) or the current annuity contract value.
• Enhanced or stepped-up death benefit- Locks in the highest account value as of a specified contract anniversary. This acts as a "high water mark," protecting your beneficiary from downturns in the financial markets.
• Earnings protection benefit2- This supplemental death benefit is based on earnings in the contract, if any. If the annuity owner dies during the accumulation phase, the earnings protection benefit is paid to the beneficiary to help offset taxes or other expenses.
• Exceptions for emergencies- If serious illness confines you (or your co-annuitant) to a nursing home or hospital, money may be withdrawn from the annuity contract, and surrender charges and contract fees are often waived. Taxes may apply to withdrawals.

¹Dollar cost averaging does not ensure a profit or protect against a loss in a declining market. Dollar cost averaging involves continuous investing in securities regardless of fluctuating price levels. You should consider your ability to continue purchases through periods of low price levels.

²All guarantees are based on the claims-paying ability of the issuer. Guarantees do not apply to the investment performance or safety of the underlying funds in the variable annuity.